What Are the Symptoms of Pain from the Round Ligaments?

It can be pretty standard, especially during the second trimester of pregnancy, to experience a deep, sharp or jabbing feeling in the lower belly or groin area.

It is usually triggered by movements such as sneezing, coughing, getting up, rolling over in bed, or taking a step.

The pain can either travel upwards or downwards from the hips to the groin. It can also become a dull, lingering ache if overworked.

What Is the Round Ligament?

A ligament is fibrous connective tissue connecting bones to other bones or, in this instance, maintaining the position of internal organs. There are several ligaments which support and hold the uterus in place.

The two round ligaments connect the front part of your uterus to your groin.

They grow and stretch during pregnancy.

What Can I Do about the Pain? How Can I Make It Better?

Keeping your tummy, hips and bottom muscles strong: the right exercises at the right time can help support the ligaments as your baby grows.  Check out our Instagram @Physio Therapy Singapore or our YouTube channel for in-depth exercise videos that can help.

In addition to exercises, try the following:

• activity modification, e.g. change positions slowly (such as rolling over in bed or getting up)
• holding or supporting your tummy if you cough or sneeze, and/or flex slightly at the hips and knees.
• A heating pad or warm bath might help – but not too hot! Extreme heat can be dangerous for the baby
• self-massage or partner-assisted massage
• walking, especially if you can incorporate some deep diaphragmatic breathing, as it offloads the ligaments
• different taping techniques from a physio
• bump-support belt

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

If you’re experiencing round ligament pain or any discomfort during your pregnancy, physiotherapy is there to help!

A prenatal physio can assess and determine the cause of your pain. This is very important because some conditions, such as round ligament pain, can be mistaken for others, and vice versa. They will take a thorough history of your condition and check your posture and movements, including your spine, hips, pelvis, rib cage, and breathing, to identify any issues.

Your physio will then come up with an individualised treatment plan, which may include:

• Hands-on treatment, when done correctly, can be very effective at relieving pain.
• An exercise program to follow at home that will help address strength or flexibility issues contributing to your pain.
• If appropriate, different taping techniques or prescribe a bump belt support.
• One of the key parts of your treatment plan will be advice and education.

During the COVID-19 isolation period, we are available to conduct online consultations to help you, providing education and advice, and demonstrating and/or correcting any exercises that might help bring relief.  Please do not hesitate to contact us for help.

When Should I Be Concerned about Pain?

If you are experiencing abdominal pain in pregnancy, there are times when we advise you to get checked by your doctor.

• If the pain continues after resting
• If, along with the pain, you also experience:
  • More than 4 contractions in an hour, or a contraction that keeps going
  • Lower back pain
  • Feeling of pressure in the pelvic area
  • Bleeding vaginally or a change in the type or amount of discharge
  • Fever
  • Feeling faint
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Burning or pain when passing urine

Disclaimer: This information is not designed or intended to replace medical advice. 

Hope you find this article helpful – we will be writing lots more!!  And do not forget to check out our Instagram @Physio Therapy Singapore and YouTube for clear, easy-to-follow videos.  

References:

Hallam, Taryn. “Maternity Physiotherapy (An introduction to the physiotherapist's role in pregnancy and early postpartum)” Sept. 2019, WHTA, Sydney. Course

“Round ligament pain during pregnancy” 4th Aug. 2018. https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/pregnancy-round-ligament-pain

“What does round ligament pain feel like: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment” 21 Sept. 2016. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/round-ligament-pain